No CPEC benefit for Balochistan, says Mengal

E-Paper | April 25, 2026

QUETTA: Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal, president of the Balochistan National Party (BNP-M) has said that he sees no benefit for his province from the implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Addressing a public meeting at Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti Football Stadium in Kharan, he alleged that plunder of billions of rupees had been continuing in the name of Balochistan’s development for the past 70 years and the people of the province were even deprived of drinking water, basic health and education and other facilities.

He said the rulers termed the CPEC a game changer for the entire region, but “it will only benefit the province of Punjab and its people for whom development projects have already been launched in different areas that would provide jobs and economic development”.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2017

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Pakistani

Feb 27, 2017 07:39am

This doesn't add up how is punjab get benefit from that? It's only passing thru punjab.

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Farooq Janjua

Feb 27, 2017 01:01pm

This is a stupid and lame statement by a disaapointed so called leader of Balochistan. If something has not been done, where this man was? His father remained in chair for many years and he himself was CM for so many years. In fact this is the breed of people who dont want any good happening as this would eliminate their politics and blackmailing. During last few years Khuzdar and now Gwader are coming up as new hub of activities. This has increased lot of good roads, hospitals and educational institutions in Balochistan. Much more is to come in next few years.

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Feb 27, 2017 01:30pm

CPEC will only benefit China.. that's it .. that's all

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shakib ali

Feb 27, 2017 01:42pm

If pakistan can't bring development to balochistan then they should give them freedom . even after all these years . the biggest province of pakistan is underdeveloped and that is ridiculous .

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usman

Feb 27, 2017 01:41pm

@aR oh really ?

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Afzaal

Feb 27, 2017 01:56pm

@aR Hi Indian, you continue to add your misleading angle to CPEC. You can not work out that the project is mutually beneficial to both countries. In fact Pakistan often benefits more in areas such as technology and there is the maritime expansion which seems to be bothering some countries. Be calm and stop worrying, we do not aim to encircle you!! Have a good week!

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Afzaal

Feb 27, 2017 02:14pm

There was no mention of plunder when these Sardars were in power and part of it and having a high life but as they are gradually but surely becoming irrelevent and exposed they show no hesitation criticising any deals which are aimed to uplift Baluchistan. Anyway they can say what they want and people will find for themselves how CPEC could be useful to Baluchistan. What Baluchis need to do is to support elected governments and put a stop to sabotage activities. These Sardars will not get anyone anywhere other than filling peaple's mind with poison.

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Imran

Feb 27, 2017 04:50pm

I think Bolochistan is already getting some benefits.. there is more attention of people and government towards the province. They are working for its betterment but surely that will take time as it was neglected for long time. I am optimistic.

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CRITIC

Feb 27, 2017 04:54pm

its very easy in pakistan to use religion and racism against others , first religion will be used when it wont work then racism ,

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shahzad Akram

Feb 27, 2017 05:38pm

Pakistan will gain more political advantage and less economic by loosing to an extend India. China will get 100% advantage. China will be more interested in Baluchistan stability but not interested in overall Pakistan development. In simple it is good for Pakistan but not game changer for Pakistan!

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shahzad Akram

Feb 27, 2017 05:46pm

China will get more advantage as compare to Pakistan. It is good for Pakistan but not game changer . It will bring foreign investment!

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Amir iqbal

Feb 27, 2017 07:52pm

I deeply deeply hope that China does not do to Pakistan what they did to Sri Lanka. The rulers must be very very careful while dealing with them. We don't want to become a deeply indebted nation with nothing but our land & resources to be mortgaged over to China.

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Faisal

Feb 28, 2017 12:51am

@Farooq Janjua , You r living in dreams world ,nothing changed, quote any single hospital or educational institution in balochistan under CPEC project, federal is just misleading on name of CPEC to balochistan people, these are same lies as told on projects like sandak nd Racodic goldmines , they claimed that lives of misery people will change but noting not even a single brick been replaced.

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Faisal

Feb 28, 2017 12:56am

@Pakistani , wow, just passing thru punjab ??? my bro gawader is in balochistan but all industrial zones under CPEC project have been planed in punjab, what kind of joke is this ? is this not a discrimination , these people don't consider except punjab.

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Faisal

Feb 28, 2017 01:01am

Chines are so clever, they are not investing to benefit pak, there are lot more hidden interests of china, CPEC will be another east india company, it will loot the resources of our land, will make us heavily indebted, we are being fooled again

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Sarwat

Feb 28, 2017 07:43am

This is how bad politicians, divide people so that they get to enjoy power.

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Sarwat

Feb 28, 2017 07:49am

No doubt Punjab denies other provinces' rights, but there are ways to fix that. Creating havoc among masses is not the answer. Instead of misleading people, do something create hospitals, schools, healthcare system. Show people solutions. Don't be a part of a problem, be a part of a solution.

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Haider ali zahid

Mar 01, 2017 10:04am

What mister Mengal has done for Balochistan. Always blame to Punjab, is that the solution? I am from Punjab and want to have same development in infrastructures of education, health, road maps and awareness in Balochistan, KPK, Sindh, Kashmir and FATA. Shame on such leaders who misguide their innocent nation and creates a confusion and hatred among the people. If a Baloch is illiterate, is that the fault of Punjabi, Sindhi or KPKian?

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